Fire has swept through Douloo Station, destroying everything in it's path. With his family and servants living in a tent, Daniel finds himself frustrated and at the end of his rope. He appeals to the banker in Thornton Creek for a loan, but because he has no collateral the banker refuses to loan the money. Daniel turns to a shady character in Brisbane for a loan, putting up the station itself as collateral. Even though he feels in his gut it's not the right thing to do, he feels he has no choice. With his mother dependent upon him, with his wife, son and newborn daughter Daniel agrees to the terms of the loan.